MANCHESTER city council chief executive Howard Bernstein has pledged that partnerships with the commercial property industry will play a key role in council policy-making.

Speaking at a business meeting organised by the city's professional services organisation, Pro-Manchester, and sponsored by contractors Bovis Lend Lease, Bernstein told 120 delegates that partnership politics was here to stay.

He said partnership and co-working must continue to maintain the flow of investment.

''Manchester has made great strides over the last few years on a range of issues, notably city living, an increasingly diversified economy and increased accessibility. But much remains to be done to ensure that the benefits are captured fully by local people,'' he said.

''A comprehensive approach to the regeneration of east Manchester is now under way, and its success is crucial to the wider region. There will continue to be initiatives throughout the city.''